You guys did a great job in
July of making "Feed the Bards" month a success! Keep it up! Take
a minute and feed a bard.

August
31st, 2002

Foundations
by David J. Duncan
In this piece, Dave launches his "Community of Tolerance" when he, Angie,
Eve, Francesca, and Nick welcome several special students to the university
campus. However, several dark threads are developing which will trouble
everyone in subsequent stories.

A
Fan's Nightmare by Kamouraskan and Amy
What happens when a fan watches the planet of the apes and then a Xena marathon's
while eating chili dogs? Read this and find out.

Added Part
8 of Mezzo's Installment One of Impulse: Book III-FULL STEAM AHEAD

Wow, today we have
THREE new writers submitting stories to the Academy! I'd like to welcome to
our site Kel, Janneen and Starry Glyph...check out their stories below--

Deconstructing
the Box by Kel [unfinished]
This is the story of a young woman with a heart of gold and will of steel.
After a particularly violent break up with her abusive lover, Reilly Fredericks
finds the strength she needs to move on with her life and her brand new career
with the help of her teacher and dear friend, Tia. Tia persuades her younger
friend to stay with her while she tries to heal the physical and emotion damage
that her former lover caused. Along the way, Reilly's and Tia's friendship
will grow stronger as they each find out more about the other and themselves.

In
All The Empty Places by Janneen Brownell [über/alt/complete]
This is about two women who rediscover each other. Two years ago Victoria
lost Alec because of a past Alec couldn't or wouldn't explain. Fate brings
them back together and once Victoria learns the truth, she has to decide if
they can have a future together.

A
Girl with a Chakram in Egypt By Starry Glyph [complete]
In this post-FIN story, Gabrielle journeys to Egypt to continue the fight
for good. However, she encounters more trouble than she bargained for but
also receives aid from a most unexpected source. In the meantime, Xena finds
that being dead isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Ruby's
Café by L. Crystal Michallet-Romero [original/complete]
Told in the narrative style, this original tale depicts the time when the
author's grandfather attempted to capture the illusive American Dream.

Comments about the
story, Ruby's Café from Al Young, an award winning, world renowned
novelist: "Ah, you are a storyteller," and "This is rich material!" and his
final written comment was, "You've done a splendid job of telling this saddening
story of your grandfather's loss, a "loss" that alerted him to his true living
treasure. You have a talent for narrative and storytelling that I hope you
will develop by writing more about your family and your own experiences."
www.alyoung.org

There will be a book signing at Charis Books, a local GLBT bookstore in Atlanta
on Saturday, Aug. 31st from 3-4 PM. In attendance will be:

Blayne Cooper (aka Advocate)
T. Novan
Lois Cloarec Hart
Lori Lake

According to mapquest, the store isn't very far away, so please
come over and say hello. Also, Blayne Cooper and T. Novan will
have copies of Madam President, The Road to Glory, Cobb Island, and
The Story of Me available for purchase at the con for those interested
(but you'll have to catch us in between events unless we're able to set something
else up). We are only bringing very limited quantities so if you know you
want a particular title, shoot me an e-mail and I'll hold it out for you (advocate8704@yahoo.com).

Blayne Cooper (aka Advocate)

Announcement
2

Good news! Strength of the Heart by Carrie Carr, the fifth in
the Lex and Amanda series, has been approved to print. It should be ready
to pre-order very soon! Keep an eye on the RAP website, www.rapbooks.biz
, for more details.

Announcement
3

-from
Lori L. Lake (congratulations from the Academy, Lori!)

Yesterday, the strangest
thing happened. Lavender Magazine called my local feminist bookstore looking
for me, so Amazon Feminist Co-op let me know this. I thought maybe Lavender
had FINALLY read the letter Joyce sent them a while back about ads and promotions,
but not so! I talked to the managing editor, and he informed me that I was
voted GLBT Best Author in the annual reader's poll.

Color me stunned!
I thought it was a joke, but then, since I had called THEM at their number,
I knew it wasn't a friend playing a practical joke.

So then last night
their photographer called me, and tomorrow we are meeting at the Science Museum,
by the Lucy statues (there are 3 Peanuts/Snoopy statues there), and she is
going to snap some shots for their next edition.

Now isn't that wild?
I can't quite get over my good luck. If you voted for me, well, then thank
you VERY VERY MUCH! If you want to check out Lavender online, go to www.LavenderMagazine.com.

Added a new review
on Judith's "Just Like Buttah"
page --Infinite Possibilities by Cate Swannell UNFINISHED http://www.kotb.net/infposs.html
Bard Cate is at it again, mixing romance and action and this time a bit of
sci-fi for a recipe that will tickle your reading taste buds.

Beware, Bard Cate
loves cliff hangers! In fact I think I can hear the echo of a down under cackle
of glee each time she leaves us gasping and cursing at the untimely, or is
that timely:}, ending of an update. You are gonna love Cass and Lis.
7 of 9 and Capt Janeway are on hand to lend wonderful support. Be brave, step
aboard the Voyager, You will be transported to a world of Infinite Possibilities.

August
25th, 2002

Xena
and the Fairy Folk by S. King [Alt/Unfinished]
Xena and Gabrielle run into a mysterious woman who is escaping her home land,
and her traveling companion a big butch girl called Nic. Chaos takes over
as they try to get the couple safely to Amazon Territory, and when Amazons
and Fairy Folk finally meet all hell breaks lose. This is a 'first time' comedy
as Bride and her special friends force Xena to declare her love for her Bard
and then deal with the mayhem that follows.

First
Steps by Mikael Helbo Kjaer [Gen]
This 1st of 12 stories in the Darkness and The Light series follows Gabrielle
after A Friend In Need as she handles an adventure in Egypt, discovering more
about her soul and other secrets hidden in the shifting
sands of the great desert. It is all seen through the eyes of a bed ridden
Xena as she reads Gabrielle's scrolls.

Welcome a new old
bard <g>. The Academy is happy to have WhymZ join us. Here are some old
stories to read over again--

FLIRT!
The warrior and bard get playful during the events of A DAY IN THE LIFE.

TOOK
YOU LONG ENOUGH
A peaceful evening campfire sets the scene for warrior and bard to surrender
to their feelings at last.

And
I Saw Her...by Verity [Alt/Original]
This is what the author sent us for a synopsis <g> This is a story
about puppies and the courage it takes for them to stand up and say, "I
don't like like Puppy Chow!" Okay not really, but I bet your wondering
what it is about now. Well, I'll give you a hint, I't's about the love between
and the moments in time that strengthen and reaffirm that love. Just read
it! it won't hurt . . . I think. : )

A
Sibling's Rivalry by Katia N. Ruiz [Alt/Original/Unfinished]
Frances DeValoi, a young successful lawyer, is a womanizer with quite a few
notches on her belt. But when she meets Katie Rosenberg, things change...
Katie Rosenberg, an accounting student, is instantly captivated by the mesmerizing
gray eyes. At first she resists the magnetic pull towards the lawyer, but
their love is instantaneous and could survive anything... maybe. Ross Devaloi,
Frances' brother, is also in love with Katie. Will he ever rest until he gets
Katie?

Sins
of the Mother part 5 - Misunderstandings by L. Crystal Michallet
Xena's mistakes bring to light some information about Ari. Meanwhile, a misunderstanding
between the bard and her daughter leads to some compromising situations and
the dark child tries to find ways to keep the numbness at bay.

Added part
6 of Mezzo's Installment One of Impulse: Book III-FULL STEAM AHEAD

DreamtimeGabrielle and Xena are separated when the bard goes off to a series
of contests and the warrior is summoned home to a sick mother.

Musical
Chairs by April Hladis aka Ah-ladis [alt/original fiction] a short
schmaltz
Nora and Wendy work at a silent movie studio that has just begun to usher
in sound. A minor incident during filming one day sparks off a chain reaction
of emotional ups and downs for both women.

Past
is Present by Zee A bodice ripper or sweeping epic, either way its a ripping good tale.
A time of college students and strippers. Two women with a past history struggle
to find love together in the present, despite baggage and a psycho ex. While
their friends sit on the sidelines making snide comments.

Welcome to the Academy
an oldie but a goodie! Welcome to Marnster!

A
Gift of a Day by Marnster (Marnie) Gabrielle prays for a day of peace to enjoy with her warrior.

On
the Road to San Pedro by L. Crystal Michallet
While on a vacation to watch Renée O'Connor's final performance in
Macbeth, the author reflects upon the events that occurred during the trip.

Announcing: Love's
Melody Lost, Second Addition
Limitless, Dare 2 Dream Publishing is happy to announce the addition of Radclyffe's
Love's Melody Lost, Second Edition to their list of titles. Look for copies
of this and other books at Dragon Con and on our website.www.limitlessd2d.net
Thanks for sharing this with your list and tell the bards and artists to keep
the submissions coming. They are awesome. Sam and Anne

Someone
to Watch Over You (Crossover)More 'Uber' than cross-over, two modern day incarnations of the warrior
and bard are aided in forgeing their relationship by the intervention of Xe
and Gab who can view them from the bliss of their eternal rest and relaxation
in Elysia.

The
Strongest ThreadFollowing a surprise ambush and a stupid argument, Gabrielle leaves Xena
but soon regrets her decision. Meanwhile, a bewildered Xena is guided by some
'invisible force' that will surely re-unite them both on a more certain path.

VisionsThis tale is set in the aftermath of the ep. "Return of Callisto" A still
shaken Gabrielle decides to return home alone and is given help by a mysterious
stranger. However the kindness of strangers hides an ulterior motive and soon
Gabrielle is given a stark decision to make. ( Graphic sex scene between Xe
and Gab)

The
WagerA first-time story. Amusing little story that has the Warrior Princess
making a VERY sure bet. Some fun mind games in here

August
16th, 2002

Announcement

from Carole Giorgio

This is a Hi and
Thank You to all of you who have shown concern about the fund raiser this
weekend in Denton for Nicole.

I truly appreciate
your desire to participate from afar, and I am truly blessed to have so many
friends on the Internet. What I am proposing is that those of you who want
to donate, wait until I have the online auction. At that time I will also
have an area just for donations in case you don't see anything you would like
to bid on and would still like to be a part of the fund raiser.

I guess what I am
trying to say is thank you for caring. I have never had to do anything like
this before and am overwhelmed with the support I am receiving. I guess I
shouldn't be surprised, I belong to a very caring population. What I don't
want is for anyone to end up feeling obligated to donate to each of the functions.

I am proud to be
a part of this very special Internet family.

~ Carole

Stories

Welcome
another veteran to the Academy. Rab Donald has been around since the mid 1990's,
here are some offerings --

Astarte
in your LifeXena and Gabrielle become lost in thick woods and find shelter in an abandoned
Temple of Astarte. (Phoenician Goddess of Love) Trapped by an old adversary,
Xena discovers that her companion has resourcefulness and skills ....as well
as love.

BondingXena and Gabrielle exchange some rather revealing little stories from
their younger days.

Same
Life, Different DayUsing the same 'titles' as the classic episode "Day in the Life"
It is little more than an exercise in writing pornography. Though it can be
amusing, it is *definitely* not to everyone's taste. Sexually explicit. (Xe
and Gab not monogamous); graphic with coarse language

Hi to all
This is an invitation for any of you that will be in the Dallas/Denton area
this weekend to come and join us at a fund-raiser for my daughter, Nicole.
We are having it in Denton and are hoping that it will be a successful event.
There will be music, food, drinks (cash bar), a raffle and a silent auction.
A $10 donation at the door is appreciated. It is being held at the The DownTowner
Bar and Grill- 104 Locust Street, on the square in the middle of Denton from
3:00-10:00 (or thereabouts)

This is not in conjunction
with the online auction I will be having at a later date (probably early September).
That will be more Xena oriented with autographed pictures, autographed X&G
stories, personalized books from favorite bards, music videos, art work, and
audio tapes of some uber and X&G stories, etc.We hope to see some of you
there ~ Thanks for your support ~
~ Carole

Stories

Welcome to a new
bard (and a great story!) to the Academy today. A friendly hello to Xenickz!

If
You're Gone by XenickzBeth and Cole - childhood friends and soul-mates. A realistic view of
how life can tear at the very fabric of a relationship. Can they find their
way back to one another?

Game,
Set and Match by Ali Vali [Alt Fiction /unfinished]This is a story I started over a year ago while I was on vacation. Bad
weather drove me off the beach and onto the laptop. I just recently ran across
it again and all the sucker needed was an ending. Welcome to the world of
women's tennis. Parker King is riding high after winning the prestigious Wimbeldon
Tournament only to be shot down by a feisty airline pilot named Emily Parish.
King Kong as she's known on the courts falls hard, but will it be because
of the person that wants to kill her or for love?

Added parts 1 through
5

August
13th, 2002

Welcome
two new bards to join the Academy today. A great big welcome to Fier and sparky!

Dimensia
By fier [unfinished] A stranger named Camrynn from a parallel dimension joins Xena, Gabrielle
and Eve in attempting to prevent the same tragedy from happening in their
world which happened in hers. But the stranger's presence there demands a
high price, both for herself and for the world as they know it, and when the
gods decide to take matters into their own hands, chaos ensues.

Language
of Love by ShortbardCan a modern day archaeologist and a warrior from ancient Greece establish
a meaningful relationship when they don't even speak the same language? If
the language is Love, anything is possible.

Heart
of Africa by GS BinkleyHeart of Africa is about a young woman who battles poachers, commercialism
and greed to preserve Africa's beauty and encounters an unlikely comrade along
the way.

Sins
of the Mother (4): Possession by L. Crystal MichalletThe guilt and ghostÍs of her past drives Ari, Xena and GabrielleÍs daughter,
into a world of darkness, which only she can find an escape from.

Until
Soon by indigalOriginal alt-uber fiction, rated R (with some explicit same-sex love scenes):
Andrea, (Andi), a second year English grad assistant at a small New England
college, has spent the last few years healing physically and emotionally after
a serious injury and a heartbreaking relationship. At a school function, she
meets Cara Jane, (CJ), a senior basketball star on the college team, and both
women are immediately drawn to each other. Over the course of several months,
they discover what it means to make important decisions concerning love and
relationships.

Young
at Heart by MuzzaA young girl whose family turns their back on her when she needs them
the most, finds love in an expected place.

The
Search for That Which Is by Erika BwoAn old story is back. In a sequel to THE LANGUAGE OF POTEIDAIA, Xena and
Gabrielle join forces with Hercules, Iolus and Autolycus to try to find the
bard's long lost sister.

If
the Tights Fit by Mr Valentine (Alt/Uber/Comedy) The superheroes of Hellenic City find themselves face to face with a new
villain. Who is the mysterious Conqueror? What are her evil plans? Why do
sidekicks have such godawful names? Why do fools fall in love? None of these
questions will be answered in this exciting adventure!

Everything
Is Alive [general]A continuation of Everything
That Is. Xena and Gabrielle in Siberia. Alti tries to drive Gabrielle
from Xena by telling her about the murdered Amazons. After fighting Alti,
they meet the survivors of Xena's murderous rampage among the Amazons.

Everything
That Is [general]Gabrielle travels into the mountains to learn from a Siberian Shaman who
she believes can help her recover her sense of self and worth.

Covington's
Kid [alt]A look at the early experiences which molded Janice Covington.

The
Mummer's Play [general]This is a very old play reworked into the Xenaverse. It is being offered
to fans for free performances.

Are
You The Herodotus? [general]A story about Gabrielle returning home from Eygpt to confront her father
about his adventurous youth. A light-hearted look at her dysfunctional family,
and how children seem to take after either one parent or the other.

Poetry
in Motion by Harley [Original Fic/unfinished]Is change the antithesis of control? According to Deven Masterson, control
has become an illusion and change is a bitch. An expert at controlling herself,
situations and those around her, Deven watches as the cherished discipline
she has developed over a lifetime slips away through her fingers.
Rhian McKenna, a woman in self-imposed exile, steps out one evening at the
insistence of her best friend and crosses Devens path in a chance encounter
that marks the first of many crossroads she will face.
From the moment they face off, Rhian makes it obvious she doesnt accept
Devens ideas about control and proves adept at taking it away. Seemingly
incompatible, both women stand at a precipice of change  between burdened
past and the unknown future that could transform who they are.

Under
Siege by David Duncan [gen/Über]When the Duboises go to Smallville in order to help Clark and Lana move,
the GSA causes lots of trouble for their friends and ultimately, for Dave
and Angie as well. Before they get there, Xena and Gabrielle assist in a rescue
operation followed by a lot of other great stuff! To make matters more complicated,
it seems that there are other connections in Smallville for Dave as well.
Who is the mystery girl and what does she mean to Dave? Finally, why was his
previous visit to the town so painful? Read on and see!

A
Place Called Home by Damnation [alt/Über]Starring Felicity Mitchell and Rei Conrad, this is a tale about a girl
who left her hometown to get away from the memory of her recently deceased
parents. Along the way, she meets and finds a friend in a college professor
and discovers that sometimes, running away gets you closer to the one thing
that you're trying to get away from initially.

Added
some more stories by Kim Pritekel.

The
Gift [alt/über]Sarah is doing double time as Santa's elf in the mall this Christmas season.
She see's a beautiful woman who changes her life forever, turning her lonely,
lost life into her dreams.

The
Cabby [PWP/über]Nic is a cabby, driving on a rainy night when she picks up the fare of
her wildest dreams.

The
Phantom [PWP/über]Erika gets pulled into going to a Halloween masquerade party, dressed
as The Phantom of the Opera. Will she find her Christine there?

Added Old
Wounds, New Beginnings [Über]Jaime has spent the last 7 years of her life in a Colorado prison, and
is getting out. Deciding to start over, she heads to Texas to work on a ranch,
and find peace, forgiveness, and maybe even love. How can a harmless day at
the beach go so wrong?

Congratulations to
msgreeneyesofva for sending 140 notes to bards! The great and wondrous Oz
aka Phil WNC will be preparing your gifts, please contact us for further instructions.
Thank you everyone for your participation. It really was a win/win situation!
Keep it up!!!!

Announcement II
To all the wonderful Webmasters and Webhosts --

Like I've said on
numerous occasions... You guys and gals, are, in a word - awesome. I don't
think you get nearly enough accolades for the work you do. This is my tiny
contribution of thanks to you guys. I have personally declared August Webmaster/Webhost
Appreciation Month. Calli and Lucia have used their talents again to give
us banners to help with this glorious event. Please put these on your websites
and pass this along so everyone can tell you how much you are loved and appreciated!
I know without you guys, my work would have just stayed on my hard drive taking
up space. I truly appreciate everything you've done to help us get our stories
to our readers. I know I'm not alone in this and, hopefully, in August you'll
hear just how true that is. For the past, for the present, and for the future
work that you do... Let me be the first to say thank you from the bottom of
my heart. Take good care everyone and bask in the glory of your greatness,
it is way overdue.

Di Bauden

Announcement III
Here at Limitless, Dare 2 Dream Publishing we are doing the Amazon Happy Dance.
KatLyns Storm Surge has just joined our list of titles soon to be published.
For those of you who havent read this heart-stopping thriller/romance
yet, you really owe it to yourself to do so. Grab a tall chilled beverage
of your choice, sit back and enjoy. But be warned, you will not want to put
it down once you turn that first page. We didnt.

Already read the
on-line version? Good. Now just imagine what little tidbits will be in the
printed, edited and polished-to-a-sheen version. This title, along with others,
can be pre-ordered from our website at www.limitlessd2d.net
. We expect to be able to begin shipping before Christmas 2002.
All our authors will be glad to sign bookplates for anyone requesting them.
Just send a note along with your order and your signed bookplate will arrive
WITH your book.
Sam Ruskin and Anne Clarkson
Limitless, Dare 2 Dream Publishing

Stories

Welcome to a new
bard to the Academy. Popular Swedish writer Carola Eriksson. We have
several stories for you Conqueror fans!

Little
Echoes -Alt, classic X&G A short and sweet little story with season two's Xena and Gabrielle. Xena's
in deep thought and Gabrielle senses that something's bothering the warrior.
Little does she now that she's been on the warrior's mind all day...

Shopping
with the Conqueror -Conqueror parodyAlt Xena the Conqueror is a mean, evil...well! -We get the idea. What
does the Conqueror do when she needs a scribe? Well, she goes to the local
slave market, of course! And meets a small, irritating blonde.

Added
several stories by Kim Pritekel. The site she had them housed on closed down
so we are thrilled to have them here on the Academy. These are all completed.
We'll be adding more as we get them.

The
New Season [alt/über]Jenny, a Minnesota college girl's hockey star, has come home to take care
of her sick mother. After meeting a mysterious woman at a party, and dealing
with her mother's inevitable death, her life changes forever.

The
Long Road Home [alt/über]Sean, a successful bookstore owner, has run from her past her entire life,
and now is going to her father's funeral, dreading the demons she knows she'll
face. Jenny, an abused housewife for the past ten years is trying to run from
her present. Together, maybe, just maybe they can find their future.

Confessions
[XWP/alt]And who said sitting around a campfire telling stories can't get you anywhere?

A
New Life [XWP/alt]Imagine that Xena never met Hercules. She never saved Gabrielle from Draco's
men. This story is a twist on the episode 'Sins of the Past'. It's a story
of how Xena and Gabrielle may have saved each other without any outside influences.

Home
Again [XWP/alt]Xena and Gabrielle are struggling with their feelings for each other as
they head back to visit Xena's mom in Amphipolis. Will a surprising outsider
help them to see what Cyrene sees plain as day?